Are you interested in finding out more about the Project?

If you are interested in finding out more about the project by signing up to our newsletter, please register your interest and complete our short survey here.

Energy Survey
The energy surveys were successfully completed on 20 residential properties and also Brabin’s School and the Village Hall in November 2022. The findings from these will help shape the concept design for the community heat network as it develops.

Test Borehole
In January 2023 we drilled a trial borehole next to the Community Hall and tested the borehole for suitability to support a community-owned ambient borehole network in Chipping. The borehole confirmed that the geology and hydrology in Chipping is suitable to support this kind of project and indicated that a single borehole would provide sufficient heat for most small to medium sized dwellings in the area.

Pilot Project
In September 2023 it was suggested that we pursue a Pilot Project when it became clear the proposed project would not be eligible for Green Heat Network funding (which would have paid for up to 50% of the capital costs). Electricity prices had risen dramatically and properties relying on electric boilers or storage heaters had seen a huge increase in heating costs. Using a GSHP system could reduce electricity costs by 75%. A new consultation was launched asking for properties that would be interested in being part of a Pilot Project.

15 properties in Chipping expressed interest progressing as part of a Pilot Project that including planning applications being subjected to the local planning authority Ribble Valley Borough Council (RVBC).
7 of the properties required planning permission as each are either impacted by Chipping Conservation Area, Listed building status or access to the public highway or public rights of way.
Planning applications have been submitted to RVBC and approval received to date on 6 of the 8 sites.

These approvals have included

• RVBC in considering the Conservation Area and Listed Building Status.
• Lancashire Highways – where there is an impact on the highway for installation of the borehole
• Environment Agency – in considering the depth of the boreholes and locations
• United Utilities in considering the impact on water and sewerage services in and around the sites.

The potential development of the remaining 8 sites would be within the property’s own curtilage and it is considered that these properties would benefit from Permitted Development Rights (PDR) albeit that they would need to apply for building control approval.

Fellside Housing Development – Application to remove restriction on installation of Solar panels – September 2024
The original planning approval for this development of 39 homes (completed in 2022) prohibited the installation of solar panels on houses. CCE have applied to RVBC to remove this restriction. To date individual homes would have needed to submit an application but it is anticipated that PDR will be re-instated on all properties in 2024 so that they can benefit from Solar should they wish to install panels.

Supporting Our Community Heat Network
Chipping Community Energy are working as a project partner on a funding application being submitted to the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, for grant support to raise community finance to build out a community owned heat network for Chipping.

As part of this asked members of the community to complete our short survey which you can find here – to help inform and support the funding application.

[Download: Chipping Community Heat Network Consultation]

Community Events
During the course of the project, we have held community events to update the local community on the project as it develops. We will update this web page to include details for any events as they are organised.